(SitNews) - The City of Ketchikan, Alaska has reached a $2,900
settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency to resolve
alleged federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) violations
related to the improper disposal of polychlorinated bi-phenyl
(PCB) waste.

In August 2007, Ketchikan Public
Utilities personnel removed approximately five gallons of oil
containing PCBs from a transformer, and improperly incinerated
this liquid at the City's facility located at 1065 Fair Street,
Ketchikan, Alaska.

"Disposing of PCB waste
improperly is illegal and can be harmful to human health and
the environment," said Scott Downey, Manager of the Pesticides
and Toxics Program for EPA Region 10 in Seattle. "Local
governments and businesses must ensure they are following the
federal PCB rules which are intended to protect communities and
our critical natural resources."

PCBs were once widely used
as a nonflammable coolant for transformers and other electrical
equipment. In 1976, Congress enacted TSCA, which authorized EPA
to strictly regulate the use, manufacture, cleanup and disposal
of PCBs.